Program Overview + Prospective Students

CASLA program content is grouped into six leadership capacities: strategic, human, instructional, operational, legal, and equity. Students begin the program with a “boot camp” and retreat in the summer. Students are provided with an overview of the program, are introduced to the expectations, and are given the opportunity for in-depth self-reflection of current leadership skills. It is during this time that students get to know one another and form their working cohorts for the duration of the program.

Each four to five week period focuses on one of the capacities and is divided into specific modules for in-depth study. CASLA Cohorts meet weekly every Thursday night with their instructor via an online tele-presence application (FUZE Meetings), and end each capacity with a once-a-month face-to-face class held on Saturday and Sunday (Weekend Clinic).

Charter experts interact and engage cohorts throughout to provide real-life, practical information about charter and autonomous school leadership.

CASLA course content is divided into six leadership capacities. The curriculum is designed to have students engage the traditional educational administrative program through a charter and autonomous school leader perspective. The topics under each capacity below have been identified to be of particular interest to charter and autonomous school leaders.

Participants in the program can choose to work towards one or more of the following (designate in CASLA application):

Tier I Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

If eligible, participants will earn a Tier I Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is a preparation program which meets the Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Programs as required by the CCTC. The program prepares individuals to perform the responsibilities of entry-level school administrative positions. CASLA content includes both knowledge and practice components designed to specifically meet the needs of charter and autonomous schools. Our program emphasizes preparation of administrators to be charter and autonomous school leaders.

Upon completing the program, candidates will receive recommendation and will submit an application and fee to the CCTC for a Certificate of Eligibility for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. This certificate authorizes the candidate to seek initial employment as an administrator, but does not authorize ongoing administrative service. Once employed in an administrative position, the candidate is eligible for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (Tier I). When an administrative position is obtained, an application must be filed with the CCTC, and the Tier I Preliminary Administrative Services Credential authorizing service as an administrator will then be issued.

A minimum of three years teaching experience is required upon completion of the program.

Master of Arts in Education (Option)

Participants may also earn a Master of Arts in Education by taking an additional three courses upon completion of their Tier I credential work.

A minimum of three years teaching experience is required upon completion of the program.

Certificate in Charter School Leadership

Non-credentialed participants or participants with less than three years of teaching experience will earn a Certificate in Charter School Leadership.

A minimum of 3.0 or better grade point average in the last 60 units of upper division undergraduate coursework

Bachelor’s Degree

Approval from your CMO, Board, or administrator (whichever is more applicable to your current position)

Willingness of your administrator to be your mentor for this program

Minimum 3 years teaching experience by the end of your program is required for the Master of Arts and Tier I options

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES

Charter or autonomous school experience

Non-profit experience

Other pertinent work experience

Teaching credential

Work experience in a non-charter or non-autonomous school

There are five steps to the CASLA Admission Process. Four steps towards admissions to the CASLA Program and then admission to the university. After completion of each step you will either be invited to continue to the next step or you will be invited to re-apply next year.

The admissions process is on a rolling basis; as applicants complete each step in the admissions process, limited slots in subsequent steps are filled. It is to your advantage to complete each step ASAP.

If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Tippie (310) 243-1076.